At the A1 level, learners should focus on the basic physical meaning of 'akarusa.' You will mostly see this word in the context of light in a room or on a screen. Think of it as the noun version of 'akarui' (bright). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that 'akarusa' is the thing you change when you use the brightness slider on your phone. You might learn phrases like 'akarusa o kaeru' (change the brightness). It is a very useful word for daily life because it helps you describe your environment. If a room is too dark to study in, you are noticing a lack of 'akarusa.' It's one of the first abstract nouns you learn that ends in '-sa.' Recognizing this pattern early will help you understand other words like 'ookisa' (size) and 'takasa' (height) later on. Keep it simple: 'akarusa' = how much light there is.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'akarusa' in more complete sentences and start to understand its second meaning: cheerfulness. You should be able to describe a person's personality using this word. For example, 'Kanojo no akarusa ga suki desu' (I like her cheerfulness). You will also learn to use it with basic verbs like 'chousetsu suru' (to adjust) or 'fueru/heru' (to increase/decrease). You are moving beyond just naming the concept to interacting with it. You'll notice it in shopping contexts, like comparing two lamps. You should also be aware that 'akarusa' is a noun, so it needs particles like 'wa,' 'ga,' or 'no.' This is the level where you start to distinguish between the adjective 'akarui' and the noun 'akarusa.' If you say 'Heya no akarusa,' you are talking about the room's brightness. If you say 'Akarui heya,' you are describing the room as bright. Mastering this distinction is a key milestone for A2 learners.
For B1 learners, 'akarusa' becomes a tool for more nuanced descriptions of atmosphere and emotion. You will hear it used in workplace settings to describe the 'mood' of an office or the 'radiance' of a successful project's outlook. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as 'Kono ringu raito wa, akarusa o dankai-teki ni kaerareru' (This ring light can change brightness in stages). You will also encounter it in more formal writing, such as news reports or simple literature. At this level, you should understand that 'akarusa' can be a metaphorical light—hope, optimism, or clarity of future. You might see phrases like 'mirai no akarusa' (the brightness of the future). You should also begin to learn related vocabulary like 'kurasa' (darkness) and compare how they are used. You'll start to notice that 'akarusa' is often a positive attribute in Japanese culture, linked to honesty and health.
At the B2 level, you should understand the technical and literary nuances of 'akarusa.' In technical fields like photography, web design, or architecture, 'akarusa' is used precisely to discuss luminance and user experience. You should be able to discuss how 'akarusa' affects the 'fun'iki' (atmosphere) of a space or a piece of art. Metaphorically, you will see it used to describe the 'clarity' of a situation or the 'openness' of a person's heart. You should be able to distinguish 'akarusa' from more specific terms like 'kagayaki' (brilliance) or 'youki' (joviality). You will also encounter 'akarusa' in more advanced grammatical structures, such as 'akarusa yue ni' (because of the brightness). Your understanding should extend to how 'akarusa' is perceived in Japanese aesthetics—often favoring a natural, soft brightness over harsh, artificial light. You can now use the word to write detailed reviews or participate in professional discussions about design and mood.
C1 learners will explore the philosophical and socio-cultural depths of 'akarusa.' You will encounter the word in classical and modern literature, where it often symbolizes the 'purity' (kiyoki) and 'brightness' (akaki) that have been central to Japanese ethics since ancient times. You should understand how 'akarusa' in personality relates to the concept of 'sunao' (honesty/docility) and how it is valued in the 'wa' (harmony) of a group. You will analyze texts where 'akarusa' is contrasted with 'kage' (shadow) not just physically, but psychologically. Your vocabulary will include formal synonyms like 'meikaisei' (clarity) and 'hogarakasa' (serenity). You should be able to discuss the historical evolution of the word and its kanji '明' (sun + moon). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are understanding its role in the Japanese worldview as a symbol of life, truth, and social cohesion.
At the C2 level, 'akarusa' is understood in its full linguistic and historical context. You are aware of its use in archaic texts and how the concept of 'akari' (light) evolved into the noun 'akarusa.' You can engage in high-level academic or artistic critiques where 'akarusa' is discussed in terms of 'shikisai-gaku' (color theory) or 'seishin-bunseki' (psychoanalysis). You understand the subtle differences between 'akarusa' and 'meido' (value/lightness in color science). You can detect subtle irony or sarcasm when 'akarusa' is used in literature to describe a forced or superficial cheerfulness. Your mastery allows you to use the word with perfect register, whether in a technical manual, a poetic verse, or a legal document discussing workplace environment standards. You recognize 'akarusa' as a fundamental pillar of Japanese expressive range, representing the intersection of the physical sun, the human heart, and the clarity of the mind.

明るさ in 30 Sekunden

  • Akarusa means 'brightness' for light and 'cheerfulness' for people.
  • It is a noun formed from the adjective 'akarui' using the '-sa' suffix.
  • Commonly used for screen settings, room lighting, and praising personalities.
  • Essential for describing environments and positive human traits in Japanese.

The Japanese word 明るさ (akarusa) is a versatile noun that translates primarily to 'brightness,' 'lightness,' or 'cheerfulness.' It is formed by taking the i-adjective 明るい (akarui), meaning bright or cheerful, and replacing the final 'i' with the suffix -sa. This suffix is a grammatical powerhouse in Japanese, functioning much like the English suffix '-ness.' It transforms subjective qualities into measurable or conceptual nouns. While in English we might distinguish between the 'brightness' of a lamp and the 'cheerfulness' of a person's disposition, Japanese uses 明るさ to bridge these two worlds, suggesting an inherent link between light and positive energy.

Physical Brightness
This refers to the intensity of light. You will encounter this term in technical settings, such as adjusting the 'brightness' on your smartphone or television screen (画面の明るさ). It also describes the natural light in a room or the intensity of the sun. In photography, 'akarusa' is a critical concept for exposure.

この部屋の明るさはちょうどいいですね。(The brightness of this room is just right, isn't it?)

Personality & Mood
In a social context, 'akarusa' refers to a person's upbeat, optimistic, or radiant personality. A person with 'akarusa' is someone who lights up a room. This is highly valued in Japanese culture, especially in teamwork and service industries, as it implies a lack of hidden gloom or ulterior motives.

Furthermore, 'akarusa' can describe the 'lightness' of a color. When discussing interior design or fashion, you might talk about the 'akarusa' of a specific shade of blue compared to another. This multi-faceted nature makes it a high-frequency word. Whether you are at an electronics store asking about a projector's 'akarusa' (measured in lumens) or writing a recommendation letter for a colleague praising their 'seikaku no akarusa' (cheerfulness of character), the word remains consistent in its core essence of 'radiance.' Understanding 'akarusa' requires recognizing that for the Japanese mind, external light and internal positivity are two sides of the same coin. A bright room fosters a bright heart, and a bright heart brings light to those around them.

Using 明るさ (akarusa) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun. Unlike its adjective counterpart 明るい (akarui), which can directly modify nouns (e.g., 明るい部屋 - a bright room), 明るさ is the entity itself. It is frequently followed by particles like (object), (subject), or (topic). One of the most common verbs paired with it is 調節する (chousetsu suru), meaning to adjust.

The '-sa' Suffix Rule
To create 'akarusa,' you take the root 'akaru-' and add '-sa.' This changes the meaning from 'it is bright' to 'the degree of brightness.' This allows you to measure it, compare it, and discuss it as an abstract concept. For example, 'Kono heya wa akarui' (This room is bright) vs. 'Kono heya no akarusa wa suki da' (I like the brightness of this room).

スマートフォンの画面の明るさを下げてください。(Please turn down the brightness of your smartphone screen.)

When discussing personality, 'akarusa' is often the subject of verbs like 持っている (motte iru - to possess) or 失う (ushinau - to lose). A sentence like 'Kanojo wa mawari o genki ni suru akarusa o motte iru' (She possesses a cheerfulness that makes everyone around her energetic) illustrates the emotional weight of the word. In technical contexts, you might see 明るさが足りない (akarusa ga tarinai), meaning 'brightness is insufficient,' common in photography or workspace safety assessments. It is also used in comparative structures: 'A-sha no purojekutaa wa B-sha yori akarusa ga masatte iru' (Company A's projector is superior in brightness to Company B's). By mastering these patterns, you can transition from simple descriptions to nuanced discussions about environment and character.

In daily Japanese life, 明るさ (akarusa) is ubiquitous. You will hear it in three primary domains: technology/retail, social interactions, and environmental descriptions. In a Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera (major electronics retailers), staff will frequently use 'akarusa' to describe the specifications of TVs, monitors, and light bulbs. They might say, 'Kono LED wa akarusa ga nagamochi shimasu' (The brightness of this LED lasts a long time).

In the Workplace
Japanese corporate culture often emphasizes 'akarusa' in 'aisatsu' (greetings). A manager might encourage a team by saying, 'Akarusa o wasurezu ni ganbarimashou' (Let's do our best without forgetting our cheerfulness). It's also a common trait listed in job descriptions for customer-facing roles, where 'seikaku no akarusa' is a prerequisite.

彼はその場の明るさを保つのが上手だ。(He is good at maintaining the cheerfulness of the place/atmosphere.)

You will also hear it on weather forecasts. Meteorologists might discuss the 'hizashi no akarusa' (the brightness of the sunlight) when predicting a clear day after a long rainy season. In literature and song lyrics, 'akarusa' is frequently used metaphorically to represent hope or a promising future. For instance, a lyric might mention 'michi no saki ni aru akarusa' (the brightness at the end of the road). In the home, parents might tell children to adjust the 'akarusa' of their study lamp to protect their eyes. Because the word covers both the literal and the metaphorical, it serves as a linguistic bridge between the physical world and the emotional landscape of Japanese speakers. Whether you are adjusting a dial or describing a friend, 'akarusa' is the go-to term for describing the presence of light and joy.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 明るさ (akarusa) is confusing it with the word 光 (hikari). While both relate to light, hikari is the physical 'light' or 'beam' itself, whereas akarusa is the 'degree' or 'quality' of being bright. You can see hikari, but you measure akarusa. For example, you wouldn't say 'The brightness is coming through the window' (Akarusa ga mado kara haitte kuru); instead, you would say 'Hikari ga haitte kuru.' However, you would say 'The brightness of the light coming through the window is strong' (Mado kara hairu hikari no akarusa ga tsuyoi).

Akarusa vs. Akarui
Another common error is using the noun form when the adjective is required. Beginners often say 'Kono heya wa akarusa desu' (This room is brightness), which is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'Kono heya wa akarui desu' (This room is bright). Use the noun form only when you are talking about brightness as a concept or a variable.

Furthermore, be careful with the suffix -mi. While some adjectives can take both -sa and -mi (like fukasa vs fukami), akarusa is the standard form. Akarumi exists but has a very specific meaning: 'a bright place' or 'coming to light' (as in 'akarumi ni deru' - to be revealed). For 99% of situations involving the quality of light or mood, stick with akarusa. Lastly, when describing colors, don't confuse 'akarusa' with 'shindo' (saturation). A color can be very bright (high akarusa) but pale (low saturation). Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid technical or social misunderstandings.

While 明るさ (akarusa) is the most common term for brightness, several other words offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these will help you refine your Japanese expression from a general A2 level to a more sophisticated B1 or B2 level.

輝き (Kagayaki)
This means 'sparkle,' 'brilliance,' or 'radiance.' While 'akarusa' is a steady state of light, 'kagayaki' implies a more dynamic, twinkling, or intense light, like a diamond or the stars. It is also used metaphorically for a 'brilliant' future or a 'twinkle' in someone's eye.
明快さ (Meikaisa)
This refers to 'clarity' or 'lucidity.' While 'akarusa' can mean a bright personality, 'meikaisa' is used for clear arguments, explanations, or logic. If a teacher's explanation is easy to understand, you praise its 'meikaisa,' not its 'akarusa.'
陽気 (Youki)
This is a very common alternative for 'cheerfulness' in a person. While 'akarusa' is a general positive radiance, 'youki' implies a more jovial, merry, or lively personality. A 'youki' person is often the life of the party.

そのニュースは私たちに心の明るさを取り戻させた。(That news made us regain the brightness/cheerfulness in our hearts.)

In technical lighting contexts, you might encounter 照度 (shoudo), which is the formal term for 'illuminance' (measured in lux). While an average person says 'akarusa,' an architect or lighting engineer will use 'shoudo.' Similarly, 光度 (koudo) refers specifically to 'luminous intensity.' For personality, 朗らかさ (hogarakasa) is a more literary and slightly more formal way to say 'cheerfulness' or 'serenity.' It suggests a clear, cloudless heart. By choosing between these synonyms, you can precisely convey whether you are talking about the physical intensity of a bulb, the jovial nature of a friend, or the logical clarity of a speech.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 明 consists of 'Sun' (日) and 'Moon' (月), the two brightest objects in the sky.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /a.ka.ɾɯ.sa/
US /a.kɑ.ru.sɑ/
Flat pitch (Heiban), though 'sa' can sometimes drop depending on the sentence melody.
Reimt sich auf
Fukasa (depth) Takasa (height) Amasa (sweetness) Karasa (spiciness) Omosa (weight) Oishisa (deliciousness) Samusa (coldness) Yowasa (weakness)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'ru' like English 'roo' with rounded lips.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable; Japanese is pitch-accent based.
  • Confusing the 'a' sound with the 'a' in 'apple'; it should be 'ah' like 'father'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Kanji is basic (N4 level), but the suffix logic is A2.

Schreiben 2/5

Easy to write once you know 'akarui'.

Sprechen 1/5

Simple pronunciation.

Hören 2/5

Easy to catch in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

明るい (bright) 暗い (dark) 光 (light) 目 (eye) 部屋 (room)

Als Nächstes lernen

暗さ (darkness) 大きさ (size) 重さ (weight) 高さ (height) 深さ (depth)

Fortgeschritten

輝き (brilliance) 照度 (illuminance) 陽気 (joviality) 明快 (clarity)

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective to Noun with -sa

高い (high) -> 高さ (height)

Particle 'no' for possession

太陽の明るさ (Brightness of the sun)

Potential form 'dekimasu'

調整できます (Can adjust)

Adverbial form with 'ni'

一定に保つ (Maintain constantly)

Transitive vs Intransitive

明るさを変える vs 明るさが変わる

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

この部屋の明るさはいいです。

The brightness of this room is good.

Simple noun + particle 'wa'.

2

テレビの明るさを変えます。

I will change the TV brightness.

Object marker 'o' with the verb 'kaeru'.

3

明るさが足りません。

There is not enough brightness.

Subject marker 'ga' with 'tarinai' (not enough).

4

ライトの明るさはどうですか?

How is the brightness of the light?

Question form using 'dou desu ka'.

5

明るさを上げてください。

Please turn up the brightness.

Imperative form 'te kudasai'.

6

太陽の明るさがすごいです。

The brightness of the sun is amazing.

Possessive 'no' connecting sun and brightness.

7

画面の明るさをチェックします。

I will check the screen brightness.

Noun 'check' used as a verb with 'shimasu'.

8

明るさが好きです。

I like the brightness.

Using 'suki' to express preference for the noun.

1

彼女の明るさに救われました。

I was saved by her cheerfulness.

Particle 'ni' indicating the cause of being saved.

2

この電球は明るさを調節できます。

This light bulb's brightness can be adjusted.

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

3

もっと明るさが欲しいです。

I want more brightness.

Using 'hoshii' with a noun.

4

彼は性格の明るさが自慢です。

He is proud of his cheerful personality.

'No' connects 'seikaku' (personality) to 'akarusa'.

5

外の明るさが目に痛いです。

The brightness outside hurts my eyes.

Particle 'ni' showing where it hurts.

6

部屋の明るさを一定に保つ。

Keep the room brightness constant.

Adverbial 'ittei ni' (constantly).

7

このカメラは明るさを自動で決めます。

This camera determines brightness automatically.

Adverb 'jidou de' (automatically).

8

冬は明るさが足りなくなりがちだ。

In winter, brightness tends to be insufficient.

'-gachi' suffix meaning 'tends to'.

1

仕事には心の明るさが必要です。

Cheerfulness of heart is necessary for work.

Abstract usage of 'akarusa'.

2

画面の明るさを最大に設定した。

I set the screen brightness to maximum.

Target particle 'ni' with 'settei' (set).

3

彼女の明るさがチームを活気づけた。

Her cheerfulness energized the team.

Transitive verb 'kakkizuketa'.

4

照明の明るさを落としてください。

Please lower the brightness of the lighting.

Verb 'otosu' used for lowering levels.

5

この写真は明るさが足りなくて暗い。

This photo is dark because it lacks brightness.

Compound sentence with 'te' form for reason.

6

彼はいつも明るさを絶やさない。

He never lets his cheerfulness die out.

Verb 'tayasani' (to extinguish/let die).

7

色の明るさを比較してみましょう。

Let's compare the brightness of the colors.

Volitional form 'mimashou'.

8

窓からの明るさが心地よい。

The brightness from the window is pleasant.

Adjective 'kokochiyoi' (pleasant).

1

このレンズは、周辺の明るさを維持できる。

This lens can maintain peripheral brightness.

Technical term 'shuhen' (peripheral).

2

彼は、絶望の中でも明るさを失わなかった。

He did not lose his cheerfulness even in despair.

Concessive 'naka demo' (even in).

3

明るさを数値化して管理する。

Quantify and manage the brightness.

Verb 'suuchika' (quantify).

4

そのニュースは、社会に明るさをもたらした。

That news brought brightness to society.

Metaphorical 'motarasu' (to bring).

5

ディスプレイの明るさを最適化する。

Optimize the display brightness.

Verb 'saitekika' (optimize).

6

彼女の声には、独特の明るさがある。

There is a unique brightness in her voice.

Describing sound quality.

7

この塗料は、部屋の明るさを引き立てる。

This paint enhances the brightness of the room.

Verb 'hikitateru' (to enhance/complement).

8

明るさが変化する様子を観察した。

I observed how the brightness changes.

Noun phrase 'yousu o kansatsu'.

1

彼の文章には、知的な明るさが漂っている。

An intellectual brightness drifts through his writing.

Metaphorical 'tadayou' (to drift/waft).

2

近代文学における「明るさ」の象徴性を論じる。

Discuss the symbolism of 'brightness' in modern literature.

Academic 'ni okeru' (in/regarding).

3

その画家の作品は、明るさと影の対比が鋭い。

The artist's work has a sharp contrast between brightness and shadow.

Noun 'taihi' (contrast).

4

心の明るさを保つことは、一種の修養である。

Maintaining cheerfulness of heart is a kind of mental discipline.

Noun 'shuuyou' (discipline/culture).

5

都市の明るさが、星空を覆い隠してしまった。

The brightness of the city has completely shrouded the starry sky.

Compound verb 'ooikakusu'.

6

日本人の美意識には、常に明るさへの憧憬がある。

In the Japanese sense of beauty, there is always a longing for brightness.

Formal noun 'shoukei/doukei' (longing).

7

政策の明るさが、国民の不安を払拭した。

The 'brightness' (clarity/optimism) of the policy wiped away the citizens' anxiety.

Verb 'fusshoku' (wipe away).

8

その場の明るさを損なわないよう配慮する。

Take care not to spoil the cheerfulness of the occasion.

Verb 'sokonau' (to damage/spoil).

1

万葉集に見られる「明(あか)き心」は、現代の明るさの源流と言える。

The 'bright heart' seen in the Man'yoshu can be called the source of modern 'akarusa.'

Historical analysis.

2

光源の明るさが極限に達したとき、色彩は飽和する。

When the brightness of the light source reaches its limit, colors saturate.

Scientific 'houwa' (saturation).

3

その哲学者は、存在の明るさを「開示」として捉えた。

The philosopher viewed the brightness of existence as 'disclosure.'

Philosophical 'kaiji' (disclosure).

4

天候による明るさの変遷が、農作物の収穫を左右する。

The transition of brightness due to weather dictates the crop harvest.

Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/dictate).

5

演出家は、舞台の明るさをミリ単位で制御した。

The director controlled the stage brightness down to the millimeter.

Precise control description.

6

言語の明るさが、思考の透明度を決定づける。

The clarity/brightness of language determines the transparency of thought.

Abstract linguistic theory.

7

その場の明るさを醸成するために、音楽が選ばれた。

Music was chosen to foster the cheerfulness of the atmosphere.

Verb 'jousei' (to foster/brew).

8

明るさの裏側に潜む虚無を、彼は鋭く描き出した。

He sharply depicted the void lurking behind the brightness.

Literary contrast of 'akarusa' and 'kyomu'.

Häufige Kollokationen

明るさを調整する
明るさを保つ
明るさが足りない
明るさを失う
明るさを取り戻す
明るさを競う
明るさを抑える
明るさを引き出す
明るさを求める
明るさを感知する

Häufige Phrasen

性格の明るさ

— The cheerfulness of one's personality.

彼女は性格の明るさが魅力だ。

画面の明るさ

— Screen brightness.

画面の明るさを最大にする。

部屋の明るさ

— Room brightness.

部屋の明るさをチェックする。

未来の明るさ

— The brightness/promise of the future.

未来の明るさを信じている。

声の明るさ

— The brightness or upbeat tone of a voice.

彼の声の明るさに励まされた。

色の明るさ

— The lightness of a color.

この青は明るさが足りない。

光の明るさ

— The intensity of light.

光の明るさを測定する。

表情の明るさ

— The brightness of one's facial expression.

表情の明るさが戻ってきた。

春の明るさ

— The specific bright quality of springtime light.

春の明るさを感じる。

心の明るさ

— Inner cheerfulness or optimism.

心の明るさを忘れない。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

明るさ vs 光 (Hikari)

Hikari is the light itself; Akarusa is the degree of brightness.

明るさ vs 明るい (Akarui)

Akarui is the adjective (bright); Akarusa is the noun (brightness).

明るさ vs 明かり (Akari)

Akari usually refers to a lamp or a specific light source.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"明るみに出る"

— To come to light; to be revealed (usually a secret or scandal).

不正が明るみに出た。

Formal/News
"前途に明るさが見える"

— To see light ahead; a promising future.

ようやく前途に明るさが見えてきた。

Neutral
"暗雲に明るさが差す"

— A ray of hope in a dark situation.

絶望の中に明るさが差した。

Literary
"明るさを振りまく"

— To spread cheerfulness wherever one goes.

彼女はどこでも明るさを振りまく。

Neutral
"一筋の明るさ"

— A single ray of light/hope.

一筋の明るさを頼りに進む。

Literary
"明るさを買う"

— To value someone's cheerfulness (often in hiring).

彼の明るさを買って採用した。

Business
"明るさを装う"

— To pretend to be cheerful.

無理に明るさを装っている。

Neutral
"明るさを欠く"

— To lack cheerfulness or brightness.

彼の計画は明るさを欠いている。

Neutral
"明るさを添える"

— To add a touch of brightness or cheer.

花が部屋に明るさを添える。

Neutral
"底抜けの明るさ"

— Limitless, boundless cheerfulness.

彼女は底抜けの明るさを持っている。

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

明るさ vs 明るみ (Akarumi)

Similar sound.

Akarumi refers to a 'bright place' or 'becoming public,' not the degree of light.

Akarumi ni deru (To come to light).

明るさ vs 輝き (Kagayaki)

Both mean light.

Kagayaki is 'sparkle/brilliance'; Akarusa is steady brightness.

Daiyamondo no kagayaki.

明るさ vs 明度 (Meido)

Technical synonyms.

Meido is specifically for color value in art/science.

Iro no meido.

明るさ vs 陽気 (Youki)

Both mean cheerful.

Youki is more about being lively/jovial; Akarusa is a broader radiant trait.

Youki na Matsuri.

明るさ vs 朗らか (Hogaraka)

Both mean cheerful.

Hogaraka is more literary and implies a calm, clear cheerfulness.

Hogaraka na sora.

Satzmuster

A1

[Noun] no akarusa

Heya no akarusa

A2

Akarusa o [Verb]

Akarusa o kaeru

B1

Akarusa ga [Adjective]

Akarusa ga tarinai

B2

Akarusa ni yotte [Result]

Akarusa ni yotte miemasen

C1

Akarusa o [Abstract Verb]

Akarusa o motarasu

C2

Akarusa no [Nuance]

Akarusa no hen-sen

A2

[Person] no akarusa

Kanojo no akarusa

B1

Akarusa o tamatsu

Kibun no akarusa o tamatsu

Wortfamilie

Substantive

明るさ (brightness)
明かり (light/lamp)
夜明け (dawn)
明日 (tomorrow)

Verben

明ける (to dawn/end)
明かす (to reveal/spend the night)
明るむ (to brighten)

Adjektive

明るい (bright/cheerful)
明白な (obvious)

Verwandt

暗さ (darkness)
光 (light)
輝き (brilliance)
太陽 (sun)
照明 (lighting)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and technical settings.

Häufige Fehler
  • Heya wa akarusa desu. Heya wa akarui desu.

    You used the noun instead of the adjective to describe the room.

  • Hikari o chousetsu suru. Akarusa o chousetsu suru.

    You adjust the 'brightness' level, not the 'light' itself in a technical sense.

  • Akarusa na hito. Akarui hito.

    Nouns cannot be used with 'na' to modify people directly like this.

  • Atama no akarusa. Atama no yosa.

    Don't use 'brightness' to mean intelligence in Japanese.

  • Akarusa o miru. Hikari o miru.

    You see 'light' (hikari), but you perceive or measure 'brightness' (akarusa).

Tipps

The -sa Suffix

Remember that removing 'i' and adding 'sa' works for many adjectives like 'ookisa' (size) and 'takasa' (height).

Device Settings

Look for 明るさ in your phone's Japanese settings to practice seeing it in the wild.

Personality

Complimenting someone's 'akarusa' is a very nice way to say they have a positive impact on others.

Light vs Brightness

Use 'hikari' for the beam of light and 'akarusa' for the intensity.

Exposure

In photo apps, the brightness slider is often labeled 'akarusa' or uses a sun icon.

Atmosphere

You can talk about the 'akarusa' of a party or a meeting to describe the vibe.

Kanji Parts

The kanji 明 is Sun + Moon. It's the ultimate brightness!

Tone

When you say 'akarusa,' keep your voice 'akarui' (bright) to match the meaning!

Avoid 'Akarusa desu'

Never say 'Room wa akarusa desu.' Say 'Room wa akarui desu' or 'Room no akarusa wa...'

Level Up

Once you master 'akarusa,' try learning 'kurasa' (darkness) to double your descriptive power.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **Sun** and **Moon** together. That's 'Aka'. Add 'ru' and 'sa' to measure their **Brightness**.

Visuelle Assoziation

A smartphone screen with a sun icon next to a brightness slider.

Word Web

Sun Moon Screen Smile Light Cheer Optics Meter

Herausforderung

Try to find 3 things in your room right now and rank their 'akarusa' from 1 to 10.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the ancient Japanese adjective 'akaru' (to be bright), which shares roots with 'aka' (red/clear).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The state of being clear, visible, and free from darkness.

Japonic.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when describing someone as 'lacking akarusa' (akarusa ni kakeru), as it can be a significant criticism of their personality.

In English, 'bright' often means 'intelligent.' In Japanese, avoid this! Use it for light and mood only.

The sun goddess Amaterasu represents the ultimate 'akarusa.' The concept of 'Meiji' (Bright Rule) era. Modern J-Pop often uses 'akarusa' in lyrics about hope.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Smartphone Settings

  • 明るさを下げる
  • 自動調節
  • ブルーライトカット
  • 画面が見えにくい

Describing Friends

  • 性格が明るい
  • いつも笑顔
  • 周りを元気にさせる
  • 明るさを持っている

Photography

  • 露出を直す
  • 明るさが足りない
  • 逆光
  • 自然な明るさ

Interior Design

  • 照明を選ぶ
  • 部屋の雰囲気
  • 明るい色
  • 明るさを抑える

Weather

  • 日差しが強い
  • 曇り空
  • 明るい兆し
  • 夕暮れ

Gesprächseinstiege

"スマホの画面の明るさ、いつもどのくらいにしてる?"

"部屋の明るさって、仕事のやる気に影響すると思う?"

"あなたの周りで、一番「明るさ」を持っている人は誰?"

"最近、何か明るいニュースはあった?"

"写真の明るさを直すの、得意?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日の自分の「心の明るさ」を10点満点で評価して、その理由を書いてください。

あなたが一番リラックスできる部屋の明るさについて詳しく説明してください。

「明るさ」が大切な仕事には、どのようなものがあると思いますか?

最近、誰かの「明るさ」に助けられた経験はありますか?

未来の日本の明るさについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that's an English idiom. In Japanese, 'akarusa' only refers to light or cheerfulness. Use 'atama ga ii' for smart.

'Hikari' is the physical light (the thing you see). 'Akarusa' is the level or quality of that light.

It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal settings. In very technical settings, 'shoudo' might be used.

You say 'akarusa o chousetsu suru' (明るさを調節する).

Usually, it's positive. However, too much brightness can be 'mabushii' (blinding) or 'akarusa ga sugiru'.

It's a suffix that turns i-adjectives into nouns representing degree or quality.

Yes, it's very common to discuss the brightness of an image or a lens.

Yes, 'koe no akarusa' means a bright, cheerful tone of voice.

'Kurasa' (darkness/gloominess).

It is written as 明るさ.

Teste dich selbst 106 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 'akarusa' to describe a room.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses noun + no + noun structure.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Uses noun + no + noun structure.

writing

Write a sentence asking someone to turn up the brightness.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'o ageru' and polite 'kudasai'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Uses 'o ageru' and polite 'kudasai'.

writing

Write a sentence about someone's cheerful personality.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Connects 'seikaku' and 'akarusa'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Connects 'seikaku' and 'akarusa'.

writing

Translate: 'The brightness of the future.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Simple 'no' connection.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Simple 'no' connection.

writing

Translate: 'There is not enough brightness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'ga tarinai'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Uses 'ga tarinai'.

writing

Write a sentence about a light bulb's brightness.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Simple descriptive sentence.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Simple descriptive sentence.

speaking

Pronounce the word '明るさ' clearly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Ensure four distinct syllables with a flat pitch.

speaking

Say 'Please lower the brightness' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Akarusa o sageru + te kudasai.

listening

Listen for the noun: 'Heya no akarui' vs 'Heya no akarusa'. Which one is a noun?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

The '-sa' ending indicates the noun form.

/ 106 correct

Perfect score!

War das hilfreich?
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!